The Pub - Discuss Anything

[nachikethas 1,149]

 

My latest travel blog. 

https://notesfromdreams.com/2018/09/25/orchha-khajuraho-travel-guide-2/

[Vesper 28,816]

3 hours ago, nachikethas said:

 

My latest travel blog. 

https://notesfromdreams.com/2018/09/25/orchha-khajuraho-travel-guide-2/

Great blog!

[nachikethas 1,149]

Just now, Vesper said:

Great blog!

Thank you 

[Vesper 28,816]

Her Name Is Kathryn

The Woman Who Accuses Ronaldo of Rape

An American woman claims Cristiano Ronaldo raped her in Las Vegas. Years ago, the soccer star paid her to remain silent. Now, the woman is going public for the first time and filing a complaint against Ronaldo. She possesses a document that could be extremely dangerous for him. 

By DER SPIEGEL Staff

http://www.spiegel.de/international/cristiano-ronaldo-kathryn-mayorga-the-woman-who-accuses-ronaldo-of-rape-a-1230634.html

 

She was supposed to be invisible, damned to silence. Forever. Nobody was to ever learn about that night in Las Vegas back in 2009, especially not her version of events.

She even signed a settlement deal and received a payoff ensuring that she would never give voice to the accusations.

She signed, she says, out of fear for herself and her family. And out of impotence, the inability to stand up to him. And out of the hope that she could finally put the incident behind her. But, says Kathryn Mayorga, she was never able to close that chapter.

The American is a slender 34-year-old with long, dark hair and green eyes. Until recently, she worked at an elementary school. But she quit, she says, "because I need all my strength now."

She needs the strength to stand up to the man who she accuses of having raped her nine years ago -- accusations that he denies.

The man isn't just anybody. It is Cristiano Ronaldo, arguably the best soccer player in the world, with vast amounts of success, money and adoration from the fans. An anonymous woman versus Ronaldo -- the discrepancy could hardly be greater.

They met on June 12, 2009 in a Las Vegas nightclub. Ronaldo was there on vacation with his brother-in-law and cousin. It was the summer when the star, then 24, would transfer from Manchester United to Real Madrid for a then-record sum of 94 million euros.

Kathryn Mayorga, 25 at the time, was a budding model and one of her jobs was to hang out with other young, beautiful women in front of bars to lure in guests.

On that Friday in June, the paths of the model and the multimillionaire crossed in the VIP section of Rain, a nightclub belonging to Palms Casino Resort. Paparazzi photos show Mayorga standing close to Ronaldo and talking. He is wearing a white shirt with a narrow black tie and she is in a light gray dress with gold jewelry. He plays it cool while she beams at him. Within hours, the gossip pages around the world would be busying themselves with trying to figure out who this "mysterious brunette" is at Ronaldo's side. The party continued in the early morning hours in Ronaldo's penthouse in the nearby Hotel Palms Place. And only two people know what happened in the bedroom there: Kathryn Mayorga and Cristiano Ronaldo.

What is clear is that the soccer star paid Mayorga $375,000 a few months later as part of an out-of-court settlement. In exchange, Mayorga signed an agreement to never talk about her accusations that Cristiano Ronaldo had raped her.

 

SNIP

much more at the link

[Fulham Broadway 16,849]

On ‎01‎/‎10‎/‎2018 at 5:08 PM, Vesper said:

Her Name Is Kathryn

The Woman Who Accuses Ronaldo of Rape

An American woman claims Cristiano Ronaldo raped her in Las Vegas. Years ago, the soccer star paid her to remain silent. Now, the woman is going public for the first time and filing a complaint against Ronaldo. She possesses a document that could be extremely dangerous for him. 

By DER SPIEGEL Staff

http://www.spiegel.de/international/cristiano-ronaldo-kathryn-mayorga-the-woman-who-accuses-ronaldo-of-rape-a-1230634.html

 

She was supposed to be invisible, damned to silence. Forever. Nobody was to ever learn about that night in Las Vegas back in 2009, especially not her version of events.

She even signed a settlement deal and received a payoff ensuring that she would never give voice to the accusations.

She signed, she says, out of fear for herself and her family. And out of impotence, the inability to stand up to him. And out of the hope that she could finally put the incident behind her. But, says Kathryn Mayorga, she was never able to close that chapter.

The American is a slender 34-year-old with long, dark hair and green eyes. Until recently, she worked at an elementary school. But she quit, she says, "because I need all my strength now."

She needs the strength to stand up to the man who she accuses of having raped her nine years ago -- accusations that he denies.

The man isn't just anybody. It is Cristiano Ronaldo, arguably the best soccer player in the world, with vast amounts of success, money and adoration from the fans. An anonymous woman versus Ronaldo -- the discrepancy could hardly be greater.

They met on June 12, 2009 in a Las Vegas nightclub. Ronaldo was there on vacation with his brother-in-law and cousin. It was the summer when the star, then 24, would transfer from Manchester United to Real Madrid for a then-record sum of 94 million euros.

Kathryn Mayorga, 25 at the time, was a budding model and one of her jobs was to hang out with other young, beautiful women in front of bars to lure in guests.

On that Friday in June, the paths of the model and the multimillionaire crossed in the VIP section of Rain, a nightclub belonging to Palms Casino Resort. Paparazzi photos show Mayorga standing close to Ronaldo and talking. He is wearing a white shirt with a narrow black tie and she is in a light gray dress with gold jewelry. He plays it cool while she beams at him. Within hours, the gossip pages around the world would be busying themselves with trying to figure out who this "mysterious brunette" is at Ronaldo's side. The party continued in the early morning hours in Ronaldo's penthouse in the nearby Hotel Palms Place. And only two people know what happened in the bedroom there: Kathryn Mayorga and Cristiano Ronaldo.

What is clear is that the soccer star paid Mayorga $375,000 a few months later as part of an out-of-court settlement. In exchange, Mayorga signed an agreement to never talk about her accusations that Cristiano Ronaldo had raped her.

 

SNIP

much more at the link

Might run a bit this one -what happens in Vegas stays on Facebook etc

As an aside, his make up artist was on t'radio. She said he has five cosmetics applied before each match, and six after the game. Narcisstastic !

[Fulham Broadway 16,849]

On ‎27‎/‎09‎/‎2018 at 4:28 PM, Vesper said:

1066

The REAL Battle of Stamford Bridge

What was funny was the tourist fan who wanted to see the game and put 'Stamford Bridge' in her Satnav and ended up in Yorkshire. True story.

[Unionjack 7,531]

1 hour ago, Fulham Broadway said:

What was funny was the tourist fan who wanted to see the game and put 'Stamford Bridge' in her Satnav and ended up in Yorkshire. True story.

Amazing!

 

On 10/1/2018 at 5:08 PM, Vesper said:

What is clear is that the soccer star paid Mayorga $375,000 a few months later as part of an out-of-court settlement. In exchange, Mayorga signed an agreement to never talk about her accusations that Cristiano Ronaldo had raped her.

  These he said she said rape cases are so difficult either way. So many post coitus feelings arising. He must have had his choice ow women at the time. But maybe wanted the one who said no??

We will never know.

[11Drogba 2,000]

1 hour ago, Fulham Broadway said:

As an aside, his make up artist was on t'radio. She said he has five cosmetics applied before each match, and six after the game. Narcisstastic !

I don't put any chemicals on my face. This should be enough.

 

[Unionjack 7,531]

3 hours ago, 11Drogba said:

I don't put any chemicals on my face. This should be enough.

 

Well  it could have had more protein in it!!!

[Vesper 28,816]

Some great restos and pubs and bars (some haven't even opened yet but look the dogs bollocks)

GRIDIRON BY COMO

Opening 30th October

http://www.gridironlondon.com/

Not your usual Mayfair eatery

Don’t let the location fool you – this isn’t what you’d normally expect from Mayfair dining. Gridiron by COMO is helmed by some serious names: with Colin McSherry (The Clove Club) in the kitchen, Max and Noel Venning (Three Sheets) on cocktails, Lucy Ward (Noble Rot) on wine and Liam Davy (Bad Sports) leading service, it sounds like this is going to be a very cool spot. Forget stuffy, formal dining, here it’s laid back vibes and contemporary British dishes cooked on an open fire (we’re eyeing up smoked eel with braised highland beef and wood-roasted scallops with bone marrow XO).

Details
Address
19 Old Park Ln, Mayfair, W1K 1LB

 

JIKONI

Ravinder Bhogal's neighbourhood gem

https://jikonilondon.com/

Jikoni’s contemporary Indian and Middle Eastern plates always have a London spin which UJ loves. With travel-writer-turned-chef Ravinder Bhogal at the helm, it’s no surprise that each dish brings together a range of culinary influences that just seem to work. That concept extends past dinner; brunch offers BLTs with apple kimchi, spicy fishcakes and pina colada pancakes, washed down with a tamarind Mary, and from February 2017 they’ll also be offering Sunday lunch.

Details

Opening hours

Mon-Sat: 12-3pm, 5.30-11pm
Sun: 10am-5pm

Address

19-21 Blandford St, Marylebone    W1U 3DH

 

 

FARE

Sager + Wilde’s Clerkenwell newbie

https://www.farebarandcanteen.com/

Sager + Wilde are one of our favourite wine-stops, but the trip over to Paradise Row can sometimes feel like a schlep for any west Londoners. All that’s changing with welcome news that they’re headed further into town with Fare. Setting up shop on Old Street, the new bar and canteen will include coffee, counter dining and draft cocktails upstairs and a restaurant, wine room and bar downstairs. A similar approach, then, to their do-it-all spot in Hackney, but this time it’s an all day affair. We’re intrigued by a first glance at the menu: whole flame grilled mackerel with pomegranate chermoula and chicken and walnut pie to share sound like just what autumn ordered, and if that doesn’t swing you, poached liquorice fig with dark chocolate sorbet has to.

Details

Address

11 Old Street, EC1V 9HL

 

COCTELERIA

Breddos x horchata martinis x Soho

http://breddostacos.com/

Soho drinking spots in need of a refresh? Breddos have it sorted. They’ve transformed their basement into a brand new taco and margarita bar, with frozen margaritas and a mezcalita menu to boot. Micheladas are the order of the day if you don’t fancy cocktails, or white espresso martinis (with horchata) if you do. Classic Breddos tacos are also available, served paper plate-style so the drinks can really do the talking here.

Details

Opening hours

Wed-Sat: 5.30pm-12am

Address

26 Kingly St, Soho, W1B 5QD

More info

Website | Instagram

Opening

November 2018

 

 

DIOGENES THE DOG

Elephant & Castle’s neighbourhood wine bar

https://www.diogenesthedog.co.uk/

Curiously named (and inspired) by the infamous Greek philosopher of cynicism, Diogenes arrives in Elephant & Castle from stellar hospitality stock and an inquisitive nature for new vintages. Sunny Hodge (Margot, Fordwich Arms) has turned a former pub into a new-wave wine bar and shop with wine’s counterculture at its forefront. Forty percent of Diogenes’ wine list is imported directly from vineyards, and you can expect regions you’ve (really) never heard from before for wine, including Poland and Texas. Presented in order of tone rather than region or price to throw off any lingering preconceptions of wine, glasses are priced between £5 and £14, so you’ll find something whatever budget you’re on. In the evenings, small boards of Italian cheeses and charcuterie from Cannon & Cannon meats are also available. We love that they’re also open from 8am, so any last minute weekend dashes to stock a wine rack ahead of a party are saved!

 

Details

Opening hours

Mon-Sun: 8am-11pm

Address

96 Rodney Road, SE17 1BG

More info

Website | Instagram

Opened

 

[Vesper 28,816]

DELIGHT IN THE DARKNESS 

Absolutely superb London-brewed (Fullers! yay!) Imperial Stout (Limited Edition and Seasonal)

Cannot recco this enough, it's pure jummmmmmmmmmi lunatic broth. We are drinking it now

https://www.fullers.co.uk/beer/explore-our-beers/imperial-stout

Brewed in the authentic style of the 18th century classic, Fuller’s limited edition Imperial Stout is a darkly delicious affair – with an infusion of rose buds giving rise to hints of Turkish delight.

https://www.systembolaget.se/dryck/ol/fullers-1242001

Freshly sour, sweet, sweet taste with cloves, dark chocolate, coffee, roasted nuts, prunes, licorice and tobacco. Served at 12-14 ° C for chocolate desserts or as a drink.

[Fulham Broadway 16,849]

It weren't us honest, we're the victims. Dignity and Respect.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-46110476

[manpe 10,861]

-delete-

[DDA 9,690]

Who hides in a bakery over Christmas??

MinceSpies!!

 

 

[Vesper 28,816]

Sterling can learn a lesson here

THIS is what happens when you get a black man pissed off

Judgement Day

spoiler alert.. I FUCKING LOVE TYSON!!!!!!!

cray cray as fuck

 

[Unionjack 7,531]

1 hour ago, Vesper said:

Sterling can learn a lesson here

THIS is what happens when you get a black man pissed off

Judgement Day

spoiler alert.. I FUCKING LOVE TYSON!!!!!!!

cray cray as fuck

 

Remember it well.

Poor lad. Such a shame to have a fucked up head and surrounded by peeps who just wanted to use him. Quite understandable why he is how he is/

And what ever happened to boxing?

There was a time i could name all the champs and under contenders in every weight class. Now I honestly dont know or even care.

Since I started watching UFC I think

[Unionjack 7,531]

@Sideshow Luiz 

Quote

 

Sometimes.  Though not always.  It's not always so simple.  I'll give you an example from Canadian TV.

There are countless channels that are pretty much useless.  They have adverts, and I'm sure there are a couple of viewers, but not many.  So, how are these channels in existence?  Well, subscribers pay for them.  A number of those channels are owned by Rogers Communication who are 1 of the 2 available TV providers here.  You never get to just order whatever channels you want.  So, if you want all of the sports channels, you're going to have to buy a package that contains all of this other dross.  Subscriptions numbers go up which looks good on paper.  

In the UK, I'd say that only a handful of channels are subsidized by the government.  They probably all start with the letters BBC.  For some of that other crap, I'd guess that some of them are owned by Sky.

As for the shows getting cancelled.  It kind of goes both ways.  Don't you wish that those shows were subsidized?  If left to popular opinion and profit margins, it would all be reality TV.  It's a shame that your favourite show isn't the Proms, because you'd be laughing.  For the other stuff, it's straight up profits.  The show is purchased from a writer for x number of episodes.  If it doesn't make money off you go.  One of my favourite shows "Firefly" went down like that.  It's an example of something that's too good for the masses.  I believe in democracy, but sometimes people are idiots.

Anyway, I'm okay with the TV tax.  I'm also okay with throwing away the bills.  I think most people do that.  Unless you have Sky in which case the gov't knows you have a TV and you're definitely going to get a bill.

 

In England  the only 2 channels that the TV licence funds - BBC1 & 2. No commercials.

The other mainstream channels are CH 4 which is almost all commercially funded but publicly owned.

CH 5 owned by Viacom which is general entertainment commercially funded..

and  ITV - Independent TV. All areas have their own ITV but the main progs are all the same. Commercially funded, free to air. Competes with BBC1 for most watched channel. They must do meets to get their schedules so the dont clash.

BBC & ITV bid for some shows.

Christ I can remember when the TV shut down about 10:30 and just showed the test card.

I remember coming home after a session and laying on the couch watching CH4. And after the last prog the announcer would always tell you what was on the next day and say goodnight etc There would then be some of that muzac they play in lifts or this high pitched steady tone

Anyways this was before remote controls and I couldn't be asked to get up and turn this muzac off so just laid there. When about 10 mins later all of a sudden the announcer says in a menacing whisper Did you hear that? Are your doors and windows locked? There are reports of a homicidal maniac at large in your area. I was cracking up. The Mrs got up to see WTF was going on! The announcer just kept going on about making sure to stay safe and dont open the door etc!

I never saw anything in the news etc about it after, Made ,e womder if he had done it before cause normally peeps just get up and turn it off.

Got me wondering if the guy had got sacked and was pranking peeps to get his own back or summet.

I could just imagine someone with bad nerves or heart condition shitting themselves.

[Vesper 28,816]

Today is the shortest day of the year. Just thought you'd like to know

https://www.thelocal.se/20161221/sweden-shortest-day-of-the-year-winter-solstice

If you're struggling to cope with the Swedish winter darkness, you may want to hide under your duvet with a cup of hot chocolate today.

But don't despair! From today, the number of daylight hours will slowly start to increase. Tomorrow most parts of Sweden will get an entire minute's worth more of daylight.

The winter solstice falls when the Earth tilts the furthest away from the Sun on its axis. In the Northern Hemisphere this usually happens around December 21st-23rd every year.

In Stockholm today, the sun rose at around 8.43am and will set at 2.48pm, giving its citizens just above six hours of daylight. Further south, in Malmö, that increases to seven hours of daylight.

In Luleå in northern Sweden, the sun will rise at 9.50am and set only three hours and 19 minutes later.

In the mining town of Kiruna however, Sweden's northernmost town, the sun set on December 10th and will not rise again for another ten days.

The town, which is inside the polar circle, is currently experiencing something called Polar Nights, when the sun stays below the horizon.

However, thanks to the light reflecting on the snow, it does not get as dark as on a snow-less December night in southern Sweden.

snip